Sewage spills reported in Fairhope

FAIRHOPE, Alabama -- Electrical problems in Fairhope have resulted in two separate sewage spills into Mobile Bay, according to health officials.

A news release issued this afternoon by the Baldwin County Health Department says an estimated 4,500 gallons of non-disinfected effluent was discharged into Mobile Bay due to an electrical problem at the wastewater treatment plant.

In a separate incident, an electrical problem resulted in the discharge of 1,500 gallons of sewage from a manhole near Big Mouth Gully, which empties into the bay, officials said.

The health department urges residents to exercise caution if using the bay for recreational purposes. Also, thoroughly cook any fish or seafood caught near by and wash hands after handling fish or seafood.